Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Thank you for the parents who braved the cold to listen to your child read his or her letters. Thank you for showing an interest in what your child is doing in school. I created a video using the photographs from last night. It is under the section third and first grade videos.

Friday, December 10, 2010

This is our Christmas tree door your child helped create. Your children worked in teams to design ornaments and to color the tree and snowflakes. We topped the tree off with some Christmas tree lights.

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

The 3rd Grade News Dec. 6, 2010Important Information:Our first story night will be on Dec. 14th at 5:00. We hope to see everyone there because your child has been working really hard on writing their persuasive letter to Santa. Family ornament night will follow at 5:30.Math multiplication: Your child should be studying one new row a week. Please continue to study the previous week’s row too. We will continue to take a multiplication test each Friday. We cannot stress how important is for your child to memorize these facts. Try giving practice tests at home. We are also starting money and time.Science: Review of Animal Kingdom and test on Friday.Social studies –early community settlementsLanguage Arts: writing a letter to Santa-which your child will read to you on short story night. Spelling test -every Friday. Play spelling games at Spellingcity.com-which can be found on our blog.Vocabulary: The rap- The Heroes of Nome- test on Friday***Please make sure to sign your child’s agenda every night.*Reading – 15 minutes a night.

Monday, November 29, 2010

Important Information:We hope everyone had an enjoyable Thanksgiving holiday.Our first story night will be on Dec. 14th at 5:00. We hope to see everyone there because your child has been working really hard on writing their persuasive letter to Santa. Family ornament night will follow at 5:30.Math multiplication: Your child should be studying one new row a week. Please continue to study the previous week’s row too. We will continue to take a multiplication test each Friday. We cannot stress how important is for your child to memorize these facts. We are also starting money and time.Science: vertebrates and invertebrates Social studies –early community settlementsLanguage Arts: writing a letter to Santa-which your child will read to you on short story night. Spelling test -every Friday. Play spelling games at Spellingcity.com-which can be found on our blog.Vocabulary: The rap- Candy- test on Friday***Please make sure to sign your child’s agenda every night.*Reading – 15 minutes a night.

Monday, November 22, 2010

Special Announcement!!!!!Please Read

Dear Parents, I have very good news to share with you. Now that I am in third grade I have been asked by several parents if I am going to continue the story nights I started in first grade. I am excited and thrilled to say that the story nights will definitely happen this year. Our first story night will be December 14th at 5:00. To make this an easy transition for both the students and myself we are going to be reading letters to Santa. If you can remember these are no ordinary letters. These letters will contain information about why Santa crashed his sleigh and what his new sleigh will look like. Also, your child and you will be treated to hot chocolate and a story from Mr. Williams. The new sleigh will be on display for picture opportunities. The fun doesn’t stop there because you will then be able to take part in the school wide ornament decorating night. Information about the school wide decorating night will come as soon as I have it. In conclusion, I hope to see everyone at our first story night on December 14th at 5:00.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Today Shawn will give a quick summary about chapter one in The Mouse and the Motorcycle.Chapter one was about new guests at the Mountain View Inn and Ralph a mouse who is adventurist. I think I will like the story because it has action and motorcycles.

Monday, November 15, 2010

The 3rd Grade News Nov.15thImportant Information:Today we had our first field trip to the RiverPark. Ask your child about the play we saw.Thank you for your help with your child’s Veteran’s posters. They posters looked great and the Veteran’s loved them.If your child was here in first grade then you know about Mr. Williams and his story and writing nights. Mr. Williams is bringing back “Santa’s New Sleigh” stay tuned for a date and location.Please turn in any fundraiser money or picture money.Please turn in any reservations for Thanksgiving lunch as soon as possible.Math multiplication: Your child has a list stabled in their red folder. Study one row a week. Our blog has videos on multiplying by 2 and 5. Science: Classification of mammals and insectsSocial studies –Native AmericansLanguage Arts: Capitalization and PunctuationSpelling test -every Friday. Play spelling games at Spellingcity.com-which can be found on our blog.Vocabulary: The rap- Sticks and Stones- test on Friday***Please make sure to sign your child’s agenda every night.*Reading – 15 minutes a night.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Today Marcus will be writing about how to become a good friend. In our story Charlotte becomes a wonderful friend to Wilbur.

To be a good friend you have to respect one other. Help if a person doesn't know the answer and just try to help them out You have to be nice and how like some people say I got your back.Your suppose to do that to make them know that some one caresfor them and is going to protect them.

Monday, October 25, 2010

The 3rd Grade NewsOctober 25, 2010Important Information:Reports cards should be in your child’s black folder. Your child will receive a letter grade and have their percentage next to the grade. If your child has an A+ your child received a percentage of 100 or more.Follow us on the 3rd grade blog at: superteacher1.blogspot.comMath multiplication: Your child has a list stabled in their red folder. Each week your child will study one row. Ex. 6x3=18 7x5=35 4x4=16Since your child should know how to count by 2’s, 5’s and 10’s you can review multiplying by those numbers.Science: Classification of animals and insectsSocial studies: reading flow charts Language Arts: pronounsSpelling test every Friday.Vocabulary: The rap- The Tiger- test on FridayPlease make sure to sign your child’s agenda every night.*Reading – 15 minutes a night.Thank you,Your 3rd grade teachers

Friday, October 22, 2010

Hi, my name is Wilbur when fern did not show up I was sad.I was so exited yesterday because I thought fern was going to come see me.But I guess she found another pig better than me.She's probably walking him in the stroler right now.I hope I never see that pig.She's probably taking him in a ride around town.I hope she comes today or tomorow.Every animal in the barn with me is very mean.None of them will be my friend or play with me.Please fern please come and see me.

Thursday, October 21, 2010

I would give this hotel two and a half stars.When I walked in I saw faded roses on the carpet,dirty pillows on the dirty bed,and i certainly did not like the mice.There were some things I did like though.I liked how my family liked it and was having a good time.I also liked how most of the electronics worked.I give the food half-and-half.It wasn't the best but it was pretty good.I didn't like the traffic at all.I did like the veiw of the mountains though.

Monday, October 18, 2010

On the left side of this page you will notice educational and fun web-sites for your child. Spelling city is a web-site that will host our spelling words each week. There are many fun games to play that teach your child his or her spelling words. Click on the words spelling city and then click on the tab find a spelling list. Next, type Ryan Williams in the box that appears. My name should appear. Finally, click on lesson 9 and your child will now be able to play games with his or her spelling words for the week.

The next web-site I would like for you to visit is Tumble Books. This is truly a fantastic web-site for you to visit with your child. Click on the link and then type in cravensteacher and books for the username and password. You will notice a drop down box in the top left hand corner that you can customize to find books of your choice.

Important Information:We hope everyone had an enjoyable Fall Break!Thank you to all of the parents and guardians who came to Parent and Teacher conferences. If you were unable to make the conference we would still like to hear from you.Keep bringing in your box tops and labels.Math this week: finishing up subtraction and moving into multiplicationScience this week: plantsSocial studies this week: community workersLanguage Arts this week: adverbsSpelling test every Friday.Vocabulary: The rap When I grow up – test on FridayPlease make sure to sign your child’s agenda every night.*All of the students are working on different reading levels in third grade. It is important they read for 15 minutes nightly.

Monday, October 4, 2010

After Fall Break you will begin to notice some new and exciting posts from the third grade. I apologize for the delay, but I promise to work diligently on updating our third grade blog. Please hang in there as I get accustomed to my new grade level.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Thank you to all of the parents and students who made this a wonderful year. I have been teaching for 11 years and this class of students ranks right up there with some of my best classes. I am truly excited to announce that I am teaching 3rd grade next year, and I can't wait to have your children again in two years!Have a safe and terrific summer! Please make sure your child does at least 10 to 20 minutes a day of reading over the break.

Thursday, May 20, 2010

It has been real crazy around here and I am sorry about not updating the blog. Report cards will go home on the last day of school. Please make sure your child reads something every day over the break. If they read at least 20 minutes a day over the break they will come to school ready to learn with very little loss of learning. Have a safe and fun summer break and I hope everyone comes back to Cravens next year! I have truly loved teaching all of your children this year!

Monday, May 10, 2010

The limo will be here this Wednesday the 10th to take some fabulous readers to McDonald's for a free sundae! These 16 students completed their word folders which consisted of over 1,000 words and 600 word phrases.

Monday, May 3, 2010

This week if everything goes right and behaviors are good we will be going to BBQ festival on Friday.Yellow group is getting their new Open Court Big books today.Blue group is closing in on finishing their second anthology.Congratulations to Aaliyah Leech for finishing her word folder.The Hot Peppers won the second annual math bowl last Friday.

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Superhero Night was a huge success! I would like to thank all of the parents and guardians who brought their children to hear the stories and view their superheroes. I know I truly had a great time except for the Bling Bling costume being a little snug. Check back in a few days and I will have some photos of the evening posted.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Attention! Attention! Attention Superheroes Spotted in the Cravens Area

Tonight at 6:00 in the Cravens cafeteria there will be an abundance of new superheroes ready to entertain you. There might even be a special appearance by Mr. Bling Bling Man. Please come and hear your child read his or her superhero story to you! The Hollywood Set Design’s phone booth will be on display. Bring your camera and capture some priceless moments.

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Next Thursday the 22nd of April I will host our last story night of the year. This last one promises to be the best one yet! Your children will transform from ordinary first grade students into crime fighting superheroes. Come and see your child walk through the phone booth, Hollywood Set Design created, and turn into the next best superhero.

Monday, April 12, 2010

First Grade NewsFor the week of April 12, 2010Important Information and Dates:We hope everyone had an enjoyable and relaxing Spring Break. Our next and last short story night will be next Thursday night the 22nd of April. The night will begin at 6:00. Please make every attempt to come and listen to your child read his or her short story about becoming a Superhero. Make sure you bring your cameras for this special occasion.Our last Hollywood Set Design will take place after school next Monday the 19th. Ten students will turn a refrigerator box into a phone booth for our short story night. Sign up forms are in the red folder.The weather has turned nice outside, so make sure your child gets their homework finished early.Homework this week: Blue group- Monday and Tuesday-The Kite, Wednesday and Thursday- The GardenYellow- Monday and Tuesday-The Chase, Wednesday and Thursday-The Bossy GallitoRed group will read their play all this week.• Sight words every night, math sheet on Tuesday and Thursday. Quote of the week: It is the obligation of all human beings to do what is right for children.Thank you,Your First Grade Teachers

Thursday, April 1, 2010

I hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable spring break. Remember if you are not going anywhere please consider taking your child to the library, museum or any of the parks in Owensboro. Remember if your child keeps a journal over the break have them bring it in and share when we return.I also want to wish everyone a happy Easter!

Monday, March 29, 2010

Today at 3:00 I will be rushing to the post office and mailing in all of my National Board paperwork. This has been a very tiring, but rewarding time in my life. The worst part about all of this is not finding out if I passed until sometime in November. Only 33% percent pass during their first year. Luckily you have up to three years to pass and I must keep that in mind when November rolls around. I want to thank everyone who showed me support during this process. To everyone who is considering doing the National Boards-I say go for it. You truly learn to think about every aspect of how and why you teach.

First Grade NewsFor the week of March 29, 2010Important Information and Dates:

Spring Break will start this Friday. Please remember if your child starts the “I’m bored” complaint you can take them to the library or the museum. I (Mr. Williams) have spent the last month working on my National Boards at the library and it is such a nice place-plus it is free. A nice activity to do is have them write in a journal about what they did each day. They can bring in their journals and share them we return from Spring Break. The movie Diary of a Wimpy Kid has a cool journal your child can write in. You can buy it at any major department store.• These students were the top AR readers last week: Brasan Johnson(6.8), Trey Hinton (6.3), and Kamren Fitzgerald (3.4). • We will review these 5 words this week: together, animal, nice, eat and see.• We are having an Easter egg hunt this Thursday. Your child does not need to bring in anything for the hunt.• Wednesday is the last day for the “Book It” program. Please bring in your reading logs to receive your free Pizza Hut coupon.Homework this week: Blue group will read: Little Red Hen on Monday and Tuesday and The Kite on Wednesday. Yellow group will read: Matthew and Tilly on Monday and Tuesday and The Chase on Wednesday. • Sight words every night, math sheet on Tuesday. Quote of the week: One of the luckiest things that can happen in life is, I think to have a happy childhood.

Monday, March 22, 2010

First Grade NewsFor the week of March 22, 2010Important Information and Dates:• We will review these 5 words this week: favorite, when, your, she and this.• Parents please make sure your child does his or her homework. The weather is turning nice and I would recommend your child do his or her homework right after school. Homework should take no longer than 15-20 minutes• Big congratulations to Aja Brown for completing her entire word folder.• Top AR readers last week: Brasan Johnson (4.9), Nathanael Turner (4.3), and Mercedes Basham (3.8).Homework this week: Blue group- BIG Book- Monday and Tuesday- Three Billy Goats Gruff Wednesday and Thursday – Little Green Riding HoodYellow group- Big Book- Monday and Tuesday-The Big Team Relay Race Wednesday and Thursday- Mary Mack.Red group- read The Enormous Turnip every night.

Sight words every night, math sheet on Tuesday and Thursday.

Quote of the week: What its children become, that will the community become.

Monday, March 15, 2010

First Grade NewsFor the week of March 15, 2010Important Information and Dates:

Report Cards will go home this Friday!!

• These students were the top AR readers last week: Zack Hafley(5.5), Marshal Dixon(5.3), and Seth Turner(5.0). Please look at your students AR points. The report is attached to your child’s report card. Your child has the opportunity to earn at least one point each week.

Mrs. Massey’s Math Destroyers, Mrs. Travis’ John Cena’s and Ms. Patsy’s Hot Peppers competed in their first math competition last week. All the students had a great time and the John Cena’s took home first place.

Homework this week:

There will be no reading homework this week due to T-PRO reading testing.

Math homework on Tuesday and Thursday.

Word folders all week.

If you haven’t checked out our first grade blog lately you are missing a lot of good stuff!Superteacher1.blogspot.com

Monday, March 8, 2010

First Grade NewsFor the week of March 08, 2010Important Information and Dates:

• These students were the top AR readers last week: Trey Hinton(7.8), Alexie Frantz(6.4), and Mercedes Basham (4.6).

• We will review these 5 words this week: now, show, by, teacher and why.

• Report Cards will go home on the 19th. Please remember if your child needs an extra year in First grade; he or she is not failure and there is nothing wrong with having an extra year in First grade. There were several children who needed an extra year last year, and they are doing wonderful this year. We would rather see your child back in First grade where he or she will learn skills to be successful, rather than go to second grade and hate school.

• Fundraiser money is due this Wednesday the 10th.

Homework this week: Blue group-BIG Book- Monday- The Bossy Gallito Tuesday- Review The Bossy Gallito Wednesday-Anansi and the Talking Melon, Thursday- Review Anansi and the Talking MelonYellow group- Has received their big books! Please make sure to listen to them read every night. Monday – A Game Called Piggle Tuesday- A Game Called Piggle Wednesday-Jafta Thursday- Jafta Red group will read The Cake.

• Sight words every night, math sheet on Tuesday and Thursday Quote of the week: Work is either fun or drudgery. It depends on your attitude. I like fun.

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Monday, March 1, 2010

First Grade NewsFor the week of March 1, 2010Important Information and Dates:

• Report Cards will go home the 19th of this month. There are a few parents who have still not contacted us about making up conferences. If you requested a phone conference we will get to you soon.

• Big congratulations to James Calhoun, Mercedes Basham, Derion McFarland, Zachery Thompson and Chyanne Brown for completing their entire word list. These students were the last students who qualified for the Limo ride to McDonald’s. The date has not been set for our limo ride.

• These students were the top AR readers last week: Trey Hinton (6.5), Cheyenne Fox (5.9) and Mercedes Basham (5.4). Totals for the week: Williams-39.8, Massey-19.2, and Travis -8.5.

• Most of the children are not taking advantage of Tuesday and Thursday Early Bird AR testing. If you read with your child on Monday and Wednesday nights your child should come in and take an AR test. Also, you can come in every Wednesday afterschool and help your child take AR tests in the library.

• This is the last month for the Book It program. We hope everyone has enjoyed the free pizzas.

• We will review these 5 words this week: do, here, best, pretty and give.

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

First Grade NewsFor the week of February 17, 2010Important Information and Dates:

• We would like to thank all parents and guardians who came to Parent Teacher Conferences. We are still having make-up conferences due to all of the snow. Check inside your child’s red folder for your new conference sheet.

• These students have the most AR points since January 4th: Trey Hinton (12.1), Blake Stracener (8.1) and Nathanael Turner (7.4).

• The cutoff date for the limo ride to McDonald’s will now be next Friday.

• We will review these 5 words this week: great, down, new, thing and get.

• Please turn in any fundraiser forms as soon as possible.

• Homework this week:

• Blue group-Read Jafta tonight and Thursday.

• Yellow group-continue to read the decodable books every night.

• Red group-Will work on Big News from Readers Theatre. Please make sure you and your child practice this paper every night. This is the only way your child’s fluency will improve. Have fun reading the paper in different voices. This week practice a reporter’s voice.• Sight words every night, math sheet on Thursday

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Parents you are probably just as sick of snow days as I am. To keep your child's mind sharp and to combat boredom you might want to try some of these ideas. The best thing you and your child can do together is read. Ask your child about his or her favorite parts of the book. Ask your child what he or she would have done differently if he or she were the main character. Turn off the television and get out some more board games. If you live close to the library and your streets are not that bad go and visit the children's area upstairs at the library. Have your child keep a journal of what he or she did over the snow days. Visit some of the websites I have provided on the left side of the page. If all else fails go build another snowman!

Monday, February 8, 2010

• Parent Teacher conferences are this week. If we get snow tonight and are out of school tomorrow we will send a note home about rescheduling your conference.• We will have a Valentine’s party on Thursday. If you would like to bring in treats or drinks for the party we would greatly appreciate it. There are 23 children in each class. Just have your child fill in their name on the from part and leave the to who part blank.• Fundraisers need to be turned in this week.• There will be no school on this Friday or next Monday.• Parents please make sure your child is reading his or her word list to you every night. We would like to see every child finish with the word folder by the end of the year.• The cut off to be eligible to ride in the Limo to McDonald’s will be February 19th.• AR points will be tallied and listed in next week’s newsletter.• We will review these 5 words this week: again, very, bring, been and knew.

• Homework this week:

• Blue group will read A Game called Piggle and Jafta this week.

• Yellow group will continue to read their decodable books.

• Red group will read The Baby Tigerall week.

• Sight words every night, math sheet on Tuesday and Thursday

Quote of the week: You know that it’s important to let children express their point of view and sometimes the discussions make you laugh, even if they get a little loud.

Monday, February 1, 2010

• Tomorrow night is the night for your child’s PTO performance. Your child will need to be here around 5:45. The program will start right at 6:00. The book fair will be open before and after the program.• Book Fair started last Friday and will go until this Friday.• We are having a contest to see what classroom collects the most money during our fundraiser. This year the classroom gets to keep the profit from the sales to spend in their classroom. The more you sale the more money for your child’s classroom.• Parents we will send home Parent Teacher conference sign up sheets this week.• We will work on these 5 words this week: those, kind, some, good and come.• Homework this week: Decodable book all week for yellow group. Blue group will get their hardback books on Wednesday. Red group will read Friends all week.• Sight words every night, math sheet on Tuesday and Thursday• Quote of the week: You give kids a lifelong survival skill when you teach them how to have fun and banish their worries with play.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Today was the 100th day of school! Congratulations to the students who survived the first 100 days of school. Ask your child about how we did rotations today. Parents thank you for making it a great 100 days.

Monday, January 25, 2010

AR competition starting in a few weeks.Classroom leaders with most AR points will be posted.Music Program on Feb. 2nd at 6:00. Book fair before and after program.Keep checking red folder for parent teacher conference information.Homework: Decodable books every night. Word folders every night. Blue group reading response on Wednesday. Red group will read The Rabbit and the Dog every night.Have a great week!

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Saturday night was a night of wrestling for Mr. Ashley, Kamren, Blake, Dylan, Seth and myself. We enjoyed 2 1/2 hours of non-stop wrestling and entertainment. There was a lot of screaming, yelling and an occasional boo at the bad guys. How did these students earn the trip to see wrestling? They showed up at the Christmas short story night and entered their name five times for the chance to win tickets. Why did they get five chances? All of these young men finished their word folder which contained more than 1,000 words and 600 word phrases. No that wasn't a misprint-1,ooo words and 600 word phrases. Yes, hard work does pay off!

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Hello, my name is Ryan Williams and I am in the process of starting a first grade blog. If you don't know I am in my 11th year of teaching first grade. I have some big plans that I want to incorporate into my blog such as: video lessons, stories from parents and student writing. Stay tuned for more information.

About Me

I am entering my fifth year as curriculum facilitator at Estes Elementary. I came to Estes from Cravens Elementary where I taught 3 years of third grade and 11 years of first grade. In 2012, I was named a Milken Educator and I am still in shock about receiving the award. My personal goal is to bring an exciting style of teaching to students. I believe in passion, purpose and play being incorporated into the school setting. I have a wife and three children.